The insane ramblings of Lauren Hammond, a YA book author and literary agent.

Seriously.... What Is Your Problem?

Posted by
Lola7384
at
9:05 AM
Friday, July 29, 2011

Every now and then, there is something I read that literally makes my blood boil.

I'm the type of person that tries to enforce positivity all the time and in a world full of more negative people than positive people, sometimes that is a difficult task.

Last night I was on the phone with a friend of mine and he was talking to me about an article he was reading and asked me if I'd ever heard of the author... After he mentioned their name, I was like sure.... who hasn't everybody knows who they are..

Then.... he read me the article.

And my mouth dropped open.

Now, I may take things differently than others, but I felt that the article was bitter, nasty, and insulting.

I'm also a firm believer in expressing your own opinion, (whatever it may be) but, it should be done professionally and mannerly.

If I don't like something I'm not going to spout off and insult the person who wrote it. I'd simply say this wasn't for me and move on.

But some people to take it to another level and that's what really ticks me off.

I respect that each writer is on their own path. I respect the fact that each one of them are in different stages of their career. And I respect and admire the fact they poured their blood, sweat, and (if you're like me) tears into their piece of their literary art work. Lastly, what I admire most, is that no two writers are alike.

Maybe they just need a little extra help. Maybe they need someone to believe in them. That's what we, as literary professionals should be doing...

Helping them... Believing in them.

We shouldn't be beating them down. We shouldn't be insulting them. Nobody grows from that... All you get is more negativity, bitterness, and hatred.

Some people tell me, when I hear of articles like the one I heard last night, I should just ignore them.... For someone like me, who is extremely opinionated that's not an easy task.

I know negative reviews and feedback are part of the literary world. Believe me, I know this firsthand, but there are ways to speak your mind and do it with some decency.

After all, if their allowed to flaunt their negativity, why can't I do the opposite and flaunt my positivity?

11
comments:

This is so true! Bravo for such a fabulous post. Not everyone is going to love a book, but not everyone is going to hate it either. I think it's important to say, "This book wasn't for me, but it may be for you," instead of just bashing the author and their writing.

There should be more agents like you in the world. So many seem to take a sick kind of joy in rejecting people and crushing their dreams... like it's a power trip. How wonderful to know some people remember what it's like to struggle for a place in the publishing world.

Its so true..But in another note so authors are kicked into gear by negativity but then some vanish because of it. I agree that people need to remember to be professional but nice comments and encouragement don't work for everyone.

Great post, Lauren. There's too much negativity in the world. I don't know why people feel the need to add more. I like to focus on the positive, and more often than not I still live by the "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all" rule. And as far as I'm concerned, people can have their opinions and still be respectful. It's not that difficult to do.

Awww, c'mon. You've got to give us the article so we can ALL publicly berate them... with positivity, of course :)

Seriously, though, I think as writers we need to have thick skin, but at the same time, reviewers need to be helpful and constructive, even in a negative review. I also tell my students that they need to find SOMETHING positive about their peers' work, even if it's just a line of dialogue that felt real or a good description of a setting.

A little off topic, but how is the the release of Famished going so far? Sending positive thoughts for sales your way.

There is definitely a line between being honest and being rotten, Lauren. Even if I don't like a book, there's always something in it that has merit and if I review it I mention that at the start. Not everybody is going to applaud the same story, so that's a given and reviews need to be taken for what they are one person's opinion.

Famished ebook!!!!

About this blog

I treat others how I would want to be treated.
I love a good book more than anything else.
I'm overly enthusiastic.
I prefer to think about the positive things in life instead of the negative.
I'm extremely loyal.
I dislike liars. (strongly) Honesty is always the best policy.
I love old movies.